By: Christina Peters
Today I did something I never though I’d have the nerve to do. I’m not one to walk up to a stranger and start a conversation, until today.
There was a woman with her husband at the grocery store today; they were obviously of Middle Eastern heritage – the women had the veil covering her head, and they were speaking their native language. Because I had heard a newly converted Muslim teenager, who was greatly distressed as he told the congregation his family had never been told that Jesus loved them, I was immensely burdened to at least talk with them – with the goal of sharing Jesus to them.
But, that didn’t end up the way I’d hoped. I said all the wrong things. Where are you from? How long have you been here? Do you like it here? Never once did I mention anything encouraging from a worldly or a Christian perspective. I was scared out of my mind! Yes, I was deeply embarrassed. But, a wise man, Johnny Jernigan, said a wise truth that we should take seriously, “If they hurt you, God will heal you. If they kill you, you’ll be with God.” So there is no reason to fear man or our mistakes we make or are going to make.
The important thing is I talked to someone, I reached out. I certainly stumbled in what I said, but I tried. I didn’t quit, therefore, I didn’t fail (2 Cor. 13:6). The only way I would’ve failed is if I didn’t talk to them at all. The only way I can still fail is to let the boldness I have in Christ fade away. There comes a point in someone’s walk with God that he longs to help others, instead of simply being helped by others. Joy also comes from reaching out and listening to God’s unfailing voice and acting on it in the hard times otherwise the seemingly embarrassing ones.
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